*.~Reflection Question time~.*
1. What did you see/hear/learn that was completely new to you?
The most educational part of the festival for me was the performance of Liner Notes on Thursday evening, since hip hop was a genre I hadn’t had much experience with. I was surprised to learn that hip hop was not always pure rap, but was actually heavily musical, with some songs carrying a jazzy influence. It was the combination of these different elements that led to the genre becoming what it is today. Now I would be glad to learn more about/listen to more hip hop, old or new!
2. What was your favorite performance/experience? Why was it your favorite?
Honestly, I don’t think I could pick a favorite. All of them were amazing experiences. I suppose I’ll list what my favorite part of each event was instead :3 The Liner Notes performance gave me both some interesting history and amazing quality live music -- two of my favorite things! It was also fun being in the audience, since many people (especially older individuals) who knew the songs were standing up and dancing along with the musicians. “Split this Rock” was significant to me in the pure power of the words spoken there. The performing art of spoken word is, in my opinion, one of the most impactful forms of communication that exists. All of the writers/poets there had strong messages to convey, and did it well. The Prop sale I liked just because I enjoy being around old things like one would be in, say, an antique shop. I find it interesting to think about all the items and what kind of stories they carry (and this being the theater department, I took that phrase quite literally!). The items were also a really good deal for really cool stuff! ;)
3. How might one or more of the performances/experiences relate to the Arts Scholars theme of “Adaptation: Reimagine, Reframe, Recycle”?
The Prop and Costume Sale relates most to this theme because it was literally recycling items no longer used by the theater department. Through this event, the value in allowing someone else to inherit their things and allowing the items themselves to inherit a new purpose was realized. The new owner would then reimagine that purpose for the chosen item(s).
